The Afghan

By: Frederick Forsyth

Narrated by: Robert Powell

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

A chilling story of modern terrorism from the grandmaster of international intrigue.

The Day of the Jackal, The Dogs of War, The Odessa File: the books of Frederick Forsyth have helped define the international thriller as we know it today. Combining meticulous research with crisp narratives and plots as current as the headlines, Forsyth shows us the world as it is in a way that few have ever been able to equal.

And the world as it is today is a very scary place.

When British and American intelligence catch wind of a major Al Qaeda operation in the works, they instantly galvanize, but to do what? They know nothing about it: the what, where, or when. They have no sources in Al Qaeda, and it's impossible to plant someone. Or is it?

The Afghan is Izmat Khan, a five-year prisoner of Guantanamo Bay and a former senior commander of the Taliban. The Afghan is also Colonel Mike Martin, a 25-year-old veteran of war zones around the world; a dark, lean man born and raised in Iraq. In an attempt to stave off disaster, the intelligence agencies will try to do what no one has ever done before, pass off a Westerner as an Arab among Arabs, and pass off Martin as the trusted Khan.

It will require extraordinary preparation, and then extraordinary luck, for nothing can truly prepare Martin for the dark and shifting world into which he is about to enter. Or for the terrible things he will find there.

Filled with remarkable detail and compulsive drama, The Afghan is further proof that Forsyth is truly master of suspense.

©2006 Frederick Forsyth (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Recorded Books, LLC. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"A cut above...other post-9/11 spy thrillers." (Publishers Weekly)
"When it comes to espionage, international intrigue, and suspense, Frederick Forsyth is a master." (The Washington Post)

Entertaining

I give this one 4 stars. I found it very entertaining. It moved at a good clip and held my interest. The plotline was well developed and there was plenty of action. It did seem like one of the subplots was somewhat extranneous and could have been tied in differently, but the author must have had his reasons. All in all a good listen that you will enjoy if you like this author.

Great adventure.

Forsyth can weave a story very well. I wish I was as articulate and could convey the power of his writing.

The MASTER of the genre

Fredrick Forsyth has been at this for a long time and over then many years I have enjoyed everything he's written. This book is no exception, very well done with a great narrator.

The Afghan

I'm normally drawn to authors like Patricia Cornwell and Dean Koontz. Intrigued by the title of this book, I decided to buy it.

It is an excellently written book. The narration keeps you interested throughout. I was captivated by the story line.

This book is a listen!

outstanding

Wow, this guy is the best. He does his homework, his characters are well developed, and his stories are outstanding. I read/listen to everything he does and they are all fantastic.

Not Forsyth's best

I will have to agree that this is not Forsyth's best effort. Although I very much enjoy a book that lays the background for the plot I felt that he went just a bit too far and it bordered on boring. If you can make it through part one things will pick up. It ended up being a difficult listen for me. It took me much longer to get through The Afghan at just over 10 hrs than it did to get the 40+ hr "The Company" by Robert Littell. Save this one for a credit that you need to burn and have nothing else that captures your attention.

Great! Exciting!

Very enjoyable from start to finish. Very interesting storyline, and a surprising ending. Not your typical terrorist story. Three believable and enjoyable to listen to.

If Only

Frederick Forsyth’s novel is still needed, twenty years after 9/11.
First rate narration and a Triple Crown of espionage successes.

A Definite Page Turner

Definitely a must read. The author appears to have done extensive research and brings all of the cities of Pakistan and Afghanistan to life. I was not able to put it down until it was finished. I found myself sitting in the car waiting to turn off the motor so that I would not be kept in suspense. Unfortunately, as soon as one suspense drama was completed, another started, so, as I said, I couldn't put it down

What an insightful brain

What did you love best about The Afghan?

The character of the original afghan man,simple strong and motivated.

What other book might you compare The Afghan to and why?

Well this reminds me of syriana.

What about Robert Powell’s performance did you like?

Quite good

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

It takes one to know one.

Any additional comments?

This book is brilliant and a smart read.A very nice way to increase brain size